Dawn Cooper is a loving mother who has raised four children and has faced life’s most difficult battles. A Millville resident who was nominated as this month’s Heartland Hero for her commitment to family and determination to do the right thing.

Abandoned at about three years old, Dawn was raised on a chicken farm as a foster child. After high school, she went to nursing school in Camden. She graduated there as a registered nurse and met her husband who she remained lovingly dedicated to until he passed from cancer in 2002.

Dawn was a maternity nurse at Newcomb Hospital for 32 years. She has overcome the death of her youngest child from atherosclerosis in 2006, as well as her stillborn 38-week-old great-granddaughter on December 10, 2018. She helped deliver the stillborn knowing she had already passed away.

Her daughter, Laura, said, “She is a gentle soul and the kindest most generous person. I only wish I was more like her!!” Nowadays, Dawn helps at a friends business in Millville.

While New Jersey’s Heartland is filled with hidden gems, its biggest treasures are the people who make the region a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. All Heartland Heroes receive a Heartland Heroes Certificate and Gift Basket in recognition of their award. To nominate your Heartland Hero, visit njheartland.org/live/heartland-heroes-nomination-form/.